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Time

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs with a hole for a male grounding pin are standard. Most sockets also take the standard European two-pin plugs.

Money: The official currency is the Czech crown, locally known as the Koruna (CZK), which is divided into100 haler. Most credit cards including American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but it is best to have cash handy when travelling away from Prague and the main tourist centres. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels; commission is highest in hotels. Banks are closed on weekends. ATMs (known as 'bankomats') are becoming more common in Prague and are probably the best way to obtain local currency at a good rate and without commission. The Czech Republic is still cheap compared to the rest of Europe, though the gap is closing.

Currency Exchange Rates

CZK 1.00 =

A$ 0.07

C$ 0.07

IRR 618.75

NZ$ 0.09

£ 0.03

US$ 0.07

R 0.52

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: Czech is the official language but English and German are also widely spoken.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport, but a visa is not required. If passport is endorsed British National (Overseas), British Subject or British Overseas Territories Citizen with the right to abode in the UK then a visa is not required for a stay of up to three months. In all other cases, passports must be valid at least 90 days beyond expiry date of the visa and a visa is required.Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a visa prior to arrival as well as a valid passport (must be valid for at least 90 days beyond expiry date of the visa). Visitors must register at the 'Authority of Aliens and Border Police' within three working days of arrival.Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport or a special (Emergency) passport. No visa is required.Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. All visitors must hold an onward or return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to buy a ticket, and all documents required for onward travel. Proof of sufficient funds to cover stay, as well as complete health insurance may also be required. These must be produced on request at border crossing points. Visitors must sign a border-crossing card. Passports of all visitors must be valid at least 90 days beyond expiry date of the visa, or 90 days beyond period of intended stay for visa exempt nationals. EEA members just require a valid passport on entry. Visitors must register at the 'Authority of Aliens and Border Police' (can be done by hotels).

Health: There are no vaccination requirements for international travellers, and no major health risks are associated with travel to the Czech Republic. A reciprocal health agreement with the UK entitles citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to free emergency health care, however medical insurance is still advised. Visitors to forested areas should seek medical advice about immunisation against tick borne encephalitis. Outbreaks of bird flu have been reported; the risk to travellers is low, but close contact with live birds should be avoided and all egg and poultry dishes should be well cooked as a precaution.

Tipping: Tipping in restaurants is optional and no service charge is added to bills. Gratuities of 10% are expected if the service is good. Taxi drivers are tipped by rounding up the fare at the end of the journey.

Safety: The majority of visits to the Czech Republic are trouble-free, although the country has a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which it shares with the rest of the world. On 1 August 2004 an explosive device in the centre of Prague injured 17 people, including tourists. Petty theft is on the increase, especially in Prague, and visitors should be vigilant about their belongings particularly on public transport and around the main tourist sites.

Customs: Drunken behaviour and drinking in public is punishable by law.

Business: Punctuality is vital in the Czech business world and dress should be smart and conservative. Initial greetings are usually formal, with a firm handshake. Titles and surnames are used, unless otherwise indicated. There is generally some small talk to establish rapport at the beginning of meetings; be polite and courteous. German is the most common foreign language used in the Czech Republic but English is widely spoken by younger generations. Translators are available and any attempts at speaking Czech will be appreciated. Deals can take a long time to manifest due to significant bureaucratic red tape and it is important to be patient. Business hours are usually 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday and some businesses close during the month August.

Communications: The international access code for the Czech Republic is +420. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Area codes are not required, and the first two digits of the number indicate geographical location. There are high surcharges on international calls from hotels; it is cheaper to use the public telephone boxes - phone cards can be bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with all major international operators, except those in the USA. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.

Duty free: Travellers to the Czech Republic over 17 years and entering from the EU do not have to pay customs duty on 800 cigarettes, or 400 cigarillos, or 200 cigars, or 1kg tobacco; 10 litres of spirits with alcohol content over 22%, or 20 litres of alcoholic beverages with alcohol volume less than 22%, or 90 litres of wine or 60 litres of sparkling wine, or 110 litres of beer. Travellers arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, or a proportional assortment of these; 1 litre spirits or 2 litres wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; and food, fruits, medications and flowers for personal use. Other goods to the value of €175 per adult and €90 per child under 15 years are allowed.